Kissin' Tell (Rough Riders 13)

Silence.

Jesus. He’d walked right the f**k into that trap.

And she didn’t snap back a smartass comment. She didn’t utter a sound. But the oddest, saddest expression crossed her beautiful face and he wanted to start this whole date over.

He reached for her hand, only to have her snatch it back. “It’s different with you.”

“Because I’m not an attractive woman?”

“No! Why would you even say that? You know I think you’re gorgeous.”

She shrugged and leaned back when the waitress brought their entrées.

As soon as they were alone again, Tell scooted forward. “I have an idea.”

“So do I.” She pointed to his plate with her steak knife. “Eat your steak before it gets cold.”

He ate. And kept stealing glances at her.

But Georgia ignored him. She didn’t shove the petit filet in her mouth in one bite, but damn close.

When she retreated to the ladies’ room, he slumped in the booth. He had no idea what he was supposed to do to make this right.

If he took her straight to bed tonight, she’d never believe it wasn’t a knee-jerk reaction.

If he didn’t take her to bed, she’d assume he wasn’t sexually attracted to her.

That brought up the question: why had he set these dating parameters? Because he wanted to show her that he was in control? Because he got off on making her wait? Or because he didn’t want a fast and easy hookup with her? He wanted something more.

Yeah. Like she’d believe that.

Georgia returned and pointedly waited at the end of the table. Tell paid the check. He placed his hand in the small of her back as they crossed the parking lot to his truck. “About the ladies who kept coming by—”

Georgia held up her hand. “No need to explain further. In fact, I really rather you wouldn’t even try.”

This night had gone straight to hell.

Rather than take her home, Tell decided to follow through with his original plan.

If she recognized where he was taking her, she kept it to herself. He drove to one of his favorite spots with an amazing view of the valley.

Georgia didn’t say a word until he shut off his pickup.

“Really, Tell? You brought me to Flat Top?”

“Yeah, why?”

“Because it’s the local make-out spot!”

Again, not the reaction he’d hoped for.

“What is wrong with you?” she demanded.

“Excuse me?

“Are you living out some high school fantasy? Taking Hot Lips Hotchkiss to Flat Top?”

He bristled. “So what if I am?”

“Then you’re an ass.” Georgia opened the door and bailed out.

Dammit. That’d been the wrong thing to say. Tell followed her. With clouds covering the stars, it was darker than normal, and he was afraid she’d forgotten about the steep drop-off. “Georgia? Be careful. There’s a—”

“Ledge. I know. It’s not the first time I’ve been up here,” she retorted.

“Then you’ll recall this time of year, the ground is soft and it gives way easily.”

“I’m not an idiot. But you’re certainly treating me like one.” She whirled around and crossed her arms over her chest. “Are you having a good laugh? Stringing me along these last few days? Did you even intend on taking me to the reunion? Or was that part of the joke?”

“What joke? I’m confused.”

“That makes two of us. I have no idea what your game is, but I’m tired of it. Just take me home.”

This woman ran hot and cold like no woman he’d ever met. “Huh-uh. You’re gonna tell me where these accusations came from.”

“Fine. This is our what? Fourth date? Let’s recap our dates. For the first date, we played basketball and you took me out for ice cream. The next date, you fed me burgers and fries before dragging me to an outdoor movie in the park. The third date, I watched you throw darts at Ziggy’s. Oh, we played a little grab-ass that night, but we had to stop, because we were in public. Now tonight it’s flowers, dinner and a trip to lover’s lane—where no doubt we’ll hold hands and gaze adoringly into each other’s eyes. What’s next, Tell? Pizza and video games while we grope each other on the couch?”

“If you weren’t havin’ fun, you should’ve said something.”

“I’m saying something now!”

More pissed off than hurt, he loomed over her. “So you’re telling me that all the time we’ve spent together in the last couple of days…has sucked?”

She threw her hands up in the air. “I knew you’d take that the wrong way.”

“How else am I supposed to take it?” he demanded.

“As constructive criticism! As a suggestion that this is not working. When you have dates with other women, what do you do?”

He tried to remember his last date. An actual date. Where he picked the woman up, took her to supper or to a movie. He couldn’t remember.

It’d been a long time. A damn long time.

That’s when Tell realized all his encounters with women in recent years had been hookups. Regardless if he met the chick in a bar, or at a rodeo, or at the poker table. He’d flirt. She’d flirt back. Then they’d be naked, f**king the night away. In the morning, they’d go their separate ways.

He didn’t want that with Georgia. He wanted something…real. “Honestly, I don’t even remember my last damn date, so maybe that’s why I’m a little rusty. Why don’t you tell me about your dates?”

That strong chin of hers came up. “Most guys at least try to get me in the sack on the first date.”

Tell felt the strangest surge of jealousy. “And because I haven’t tried to nail you the first week we’ve been together, there’s something wrong with me?”

“Oh, there’s nothing wrong with you. You’re sexy, you’ve got an incredible body and I’ve no doubt you know exactly how to use it. You act like you want me. But there’s no follow-through, just the constant tease. So can you understand why I’d be suspicious that this is a game? Since you couldn’t have me ten years ago when you wanted me, but I want you now, you’re going to lead me on and then change your mind?”

His mouth opened to deny it, but part of him feared she was right. If any other woman had been so hot to get naked and wild with him, he would’ve jumped her the first night. But he’d held back with her. Not just one night, but every time they’d been together.